Louisiana’s culture and diverse landscape has inspired artists throughout the state and from afar to partake in the LSU AgCenter’s Botanic Garden at The Burden Center art exhibit.
The Brush with Burden art exhibit showcases Louisiana artists and their depictions of the state’s cultural and natural resources.
The event is a multimedia exhibition with all types of art, ranging from paintings to photographs inspired by Louisiana’s natural beauty, flora and fauna.
The exhibit has more than 90 art pieces, including oils, watercolor, acrylic, stained glass and charred wood sculptures, all representing Louisiana in some way. The photography exhibit has 50 different photographs, both printed and on canvas.
The exhibit is in its fourth year, and this year’s chair, Margaret Blades, said the exhibit is continuing to grow. Blades explained the art exhibit was simple at first and has expanded into several different exhibits focused on Louisiana.
“We are excited to see how it’s growing and the interest people have in Louisiana art and the interest in The Burden Center,” Blades said.
Blades said some artists from as far as Florida and Michigan have participated in the exhibit.
The event is free to attend, all of the art is for sale and 20 percent of the proceeds will go to the Burden Horticulture Society.
“I hope when people come to see the art, they will see all there is to offer on the beautiful 400 acre property owned by LSU,” Blades said.
The Burden exhibition recently welcomed artist and judge Billy Solitario to hold a workshop that covered landscapes and included a demonstration on his approach to illustrating clouds.
Solitario said a large group of talented artists created fantastic artwork that helps add to the beauty of the venue
“People will be overwhelmed by how much beauty there is, and people will enjoy seeing Louisiana culture through the paintings,” Solitario said.
The exhibition awards artists in the categories of Best in Show, Judges Choice, People’s Choice and Merit for artwork including paintings, 3-D work and photographs.
The winning artwork will be displayed at the Shaw Center for the Arts from April 7-30.
The Brush with Burden exhibition will be open to the public in the Steele Burden Memorial Orangerie and the Ione E. Burden Conference Center from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information about Brush with Burden, visit lsuagcenter.com